[DANANG] - The inexpensive paradise in Southeast Asia

Da Nang is a coastal city in central Vietnam. It is best known for its fabulous beaches and history as a French colonial port. It is definitely a hidden gem in Southeast Asia, it's too easy to look for great enjoyments with very affordable price. So, here is a massive post of my recommendations in Da Nang and places nearby.

FLY

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific offers a direct flight between Hong Kong and Da Nang. Sit back and relax and you will arrive in less than 2 hours. An alternative option would be Vietnam Airlines or Hong Kong Express as their air tickets are relatively inexpensive.

DO

Dinner Cruise on Han River Da Nang

To appreciate the beauty of the dynamic city of Da Nang, a cruise is possibly one of the best ways! A 5-course dinner on board with 1.5 hours enjoyable ride only costs USD$15. 

The view of the Han River and the Dragon Bridge is absolutely dazzling and fascinating. You could even catch the firework on the Dragon Bridge if you're lucky.

Tips: Pre-book on tourinDanang.com to save a nice table!

Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn) 

Marble Mountains consists of five 'mountains' that named after the five elements: Kim (metal), Thuy (water), Moc (wood), Hoa (fire) and Tho (earth). This religious and cultural site gives you an exceptional peaceful sense. 

If you are courageous enough, climb up to the mountain top from the "Van Thong Cave". Alternatively, you can climb up the stairs. The scenery over there is breathtaking! Inside the cave of Huyen Khong lies a spectacular buddha. Believe it or not, this Cave was once under the sea level. If you look close enough, you might be able to see some weathered oyster shells on the walls of the cave.

Address: Hòa Hải, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Da Nang

Bà Nà Hill

Bà Nà Hill is a theme park like resort located in the Trường Sơn Mountains. It is quite touristy as it is a rather famous tourist spot in town. We queued up for the cable car for around 15 minutes and spent approximately three hours here.

One special feature of Bà Nà Hill is the religious component, as you walk around the resort you will come across a couple of buddhist architecture. 

However, I would still recommend you to enjoy the cable car ride and the self-control roller coaster since it is quite an unique experience that can hardly be found elsewhere. Climb to the top of the hill and you can see the amazing sea of clouds. 

There are a few food stalls serving Vietnamese snacks and dishes. The price is more expensive here as expected but the taste is not bad. 

Address: Nhà máy nước Sân Bay, Trường Chinh, Hòa Thuận Tây, Hòa Vang, Đà Nẵng

The L Spa

One must not miss this spa centre as it offers different types of soothing massages with an unbeatable price! Try out the signature L Spa Massage, which is a mix of aromatherapy and Thai-style gestures. It only costs 300,000 VND for a 60-minute. Oh and the welcome drink is so thirst quenching! Enough said ..

Address: 05 An Thuong 4, My An Ward,, Ngu Hanh Sơn District

Hue

Dai Noi (Imperial Palace)

Dai Noi, the Imperial Palace, is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is a walled palace within the citadel (Kinh thành), each wall is 600 meter long and 5 meter tall. There are a total of four gates within the palace, which is similar to the Chinese style.There are a total of six palaces, yet a few are completely destroyed due to natural disasters and wars. Along with the palaces are temples and lovely ponds, and a tennis court built by the last king! Spend a couple of hours to appreciate the ancient beauty.

Address: Thuận Thành, Huế, Thua Thien Hue

Lang Khai Dinh (Tomb of Khải Định)

The Tomb of Khải Định is located in Chau Chu mountain region. It was built for the Nguyễn Emperor Khải Định, the twelfth king of the Nguyễn dynasty, and took11 years to complete the whole construction. As a history student, this is one of the most anticipated place for me during this journey. The tomb is magnificent and historical. I am particularly enchanted by the stone statues near the entrance. 

Address: Khải Định, Thủy Bằng, Tp. Huế, Huế

Hoi An

In only 30 minutes taxi ride from Da Nang, you are now in one of the best well-preserved Ancient Towns in the world. If you are interested in getting know more about Vietnam's past, you should visit Hoi An. The architectures there are ancient and phenomenal. There are a number of great restaurants and shops around (For recommendations, check EAT below). Spend a day walking through the alleys and get into the local life. The night view is specular as well.

There are Henna artists along the main street, really appreciate their talents!

Cham Island [Hoi An]

Spending an amazing day on this peaceful island. It's charm lies in it's unique culture and history. Although the beach is a bit crowded during peak season, but feel free to swim among the clear water. 





God's blessings are essential to a good harvest from the sea. You can easily enjoy a seafood feast with a very reasonable price. Cherish this World Class Biosphere Reserve!



In addition, this traditional snack that is commonly sold on the street is really yummy! Not too sweet but quite chewy, I love it!

EAT

Hau Sua Quan Restaurant [Da Nang]

What a feast! The food and view is very good here as it is right next to the beach. There are plentiful live catches waiting for you to pick what you wanted to be cooked. The freshness and natural sweetness is exactly what I am looking for.

Address: Võ Nguyên Giáp, Mân Thái, Sơn Trà, Đà Nẵng

Trung Gia Sea Food Restaurant [Da Nang]

Blessed with rich nature, it won't be a problem to find nice seafood in Da Nang. The garlic bread is crispy and aromatic. As for the seafood, you can pick whatever way to get them cooked. The clams are specially cooked in Vietnamese style with different herbs, peanuts, chilli sauce and mayonnaise. OMG - It tastes so right! The oyster congee is also rich in flavour, don't miss it!

Address:  Mân Thái, Sơn Trà, Da Nang, Vietnam

Huyen Anh [HUE]

A very local homey restaurant that serves really good Bún thịt nướng, which is Vietnamese pork noodles. The pork is so juicy and soft but the portion is really small. Personally I need to have three bowls to be finally satisfied.

Lantern Town [Hoi An]

The restaurant is heavily decorated with Buddhism theme yet it appears to be quite stylish. There are bar and dining sections and it is always frequented by westerners who want to have a glass or two. 

The food here in general is very impressive. These Spring rolls in "Hoi An" Style, nevertheless, is the particular dish that I'd highly recommend. It is so crumbly and far from being greasy. They are just so unforgettable.

STAY

Danang Bay Hotel

The hotel situates right next to the coast so you can easily get to the beachfront within a minute walk. The hotel is quite new and comfy, if you're lucky enough you can stay at a room with a nice sea view. Although the staff barely knows any English, they are extremely friendly and polite. There is an array of breakfast choices including typical Western and Vietnamese style. The Pho here is actually not bad, I'm quite surprised!

Address: 52 Võ Nguyên Giáp, Mân Thái, Sơn Trà, Da Nang


I hope you enjoyed this one and that the above information is useful for you!